Approximately 470 participants from Latvia, Sweden, Germany, and other NATO countries took part in the exercise. Representatives from the defense industry in several EU countries were also present. The aim was to coordinate and develop capabilities to detect, disrupt, and combat drones in environments resembling the war in Ukraine.
– The exercise is the first in a series of activities to gradually and rapidly build units and formations with an integrated capability for drone combat, protection, and information sharing, says Anders Lagö, head of electronic warfare and anti-drone development at the Command and Control Regiment.
Swedish personnel from the entire Armed Forces participated, including drone operators from various branches. During the exercise, testing of equipment and systems in collaboration with the industry was conducted, as well as training in command and information sharing related to drone combat.
According to Latvia's Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds, the exercise is an example of how countries together strengthen their readiness against threats from unmanned systems:
– Our soldiers strengthen readiness and cooperation with allies by standing shoulder to shoulder in defense against drone threats, he says in a statement from Latvia's Ministry of Defense.